Papermaking machinery



Nov. 9, 1954 RlsAKU oKAwA ETAL v 2,693,739

PAPERMAKING MACHINERY Filed Oct. l 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 9, 1954RlsAKU oKAwA E-AL 2,693,739

PAPERMAKING MACHINERY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001'.. l 1951 ma. ef www Mx WWOMM a 4 ai.

RISAKU oKAwA Erm. 2,693,739

Nov. A9, 1954 PAPERMAKING MACHINERY Filed oct. 1. 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3,alfa/wey A United States Patent C) PAPERMAKING MACHHERY Risaku Okawaand Riichro Okawa, Miura-Gun, Kanagawa Ken, Japan Application October 1,1951, Serial No. 249,022

2l) Claims. (Cl. 92-39) This invention relates to paper making machineryand it is a general object of the invention to provide an improved,simple and practical machine serving to manufacture paper, paper-likeboards, or other like products.

it is a general object of this invention to provide a machine of thegeneral character referred to having sheet forming rolls which are freeof the so-called wires or screens that usually occur in such machines.The elimination of wires or screens simplifies the structure, reducesthe initial cost of manufacture and simplies maintenance of the machinein ,operating condition. The simple construction that results from theinvention is such that it can be used to advantage in the making o fheavy paper or pulp sheets from thick solutions and it makes practicalthe use of materials that are difficult or impractical to handle inmachines of ordinary construction.

lt is another object of the invention to provide a machine of thegeneral character referred to that is particularly practical for -use inthe making of heavy paper boards or pulp sheets, and which willeffectively .and practically handle materials other than are usuallyincorporated in ordinary paper. With the machine of the presentinvention, materials may be handled including, asbestos, various waterresistant or iire resistant materials or compositions, paran, asphalt,various resins, etc.

It is a further object of the invention ,to provide a machine of thegeneral character referred to wherein the sheet forming rolls aregrooved providing for eifective drainage of excess liquid as the sheetis formed,

and cleaners are combined with the rolls and serve to maintain the rollsin clean eifective working condition at all times.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine of thegeneral character referred to wherein the rolls or sheet formingelements are maintained in eicient working condition without employingwashing water, with the result that the drainage or back water issubject to being retrieved and recirculated without undesirable dilutionor contamination With the machine of the present invention, materialscan be efficiently han- .dled including compositions or chemicals whichare costly, as there is no dilution of the drainage.

Another object .of the invention is to provide a machine of the generalcharacter referred to in which the sheet Vforming rolls uare .ofpractical economical form and may be such as ,to provide plain sheets orsheets of corrugated or other special configurations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the generalcharacter referred to wherein the material in the form of a uid iseffectively delivered to the sheet forming rolls by a nozzle wheredrainage .catchers are located establishing chambers that are maintainedat reduced pressures :thereby inducing rapid drainage of liquid as thesheet is formed, and making possible high speed operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machine of thegeneral character referred to which is of simple sturdy construction andentirely free 4of delicate or complicated elements or parts, with theresult that the material in the liquid form can vbe safely delivered tothe rolls at high pressure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of Vthegeneral character referred to wherein 'a heating means serves toefficiently and uniformly main- .tain the lsheet `forming rolls at yadesired temperature with the result Vthat V,the `sheet delivered y.by.the rolls,

2,693,739 Patented Nov. 9, 1954 though wet, is not in the fullysaturated eenditinn that ordinarily prevails in machines of this generalcharacter.

The machine embodying the invention ineludes, generally, a rigid framehaving a rectangular base supported by legs and carrying standards. Theframe has rails supported in parallel relationship and extendingupwardly and rearwardly over the base at the ends of the frame.Horizontal sheet-forming rolls are located between the rails and extendlengthwise of the frame. The rolls are spaced apart so that the sheet isformed between them and they have sheet-forming faces that may besmooth, but which are interrupted by a multiplicity of drainage groovesspaced apart lengthwise of the rolls and extending continuously aroundthe rolls.

The rolls are carried by the rails for adjustment relative to each otherso that the sheet-forming opening between them can be varied, it beingpreferred to mount one roll by means of bearing blocks so that it is ina fixed position while the other roll is carried by bearing blocksadjustable along the rails. Adjusting means is provided for operatingthe last mentioned bearing blocks and a drive is'provided for operatingthe rolls synchronously in opposite directions.

A material feeding nozzle is related to the rolls and has an elongatechamber corresponding in width with the length of the rolls and having atip fitting between the rolls so that uid material khandled by thenozzle is delivered at a suitable rate and under pressure to the openingthat occurs between the rolls. A material supply means is provideddelivering fluid to the nozzle and may include a preparing unit such asa beater supplied with water and with the material to be incorporated inthe sheet. A pump delivers the material from the preparing unit to areservoir and from there a pressure pump delivers the material to thenozzle.

Drainage or backwater catchers are located adjacent the nozzle andhandle the drainage or excess liquid from the material fed to the rolls.A reduced pressure is maintained in the catchers and the retrievedliquid is drawn `from the catchers as it is caught and may berecirculated as by being introduced into the material preparing unit. Adrainage catcher or basin is provided to retrieve :liquid that mightotherwise drain or eseape in the course of operation of the machine andthe liquid thus retrieved may be drained from the basin to the materialpreparing unit lfor recirculation. Cleaning means serve to maintain 4thefaces of `the rolls clean and the grooves in the rolls open andunrestricted. A face cleaner in ,the form of a pivoted blade engageseach roll and a comb-like scraper likewise engages each roll.

A heating means is lprovided preferably -in connection with each rolland may be maintained in operation so that the rolls are maintained at adesired temperature.

A sheet receiving plate is supported adjacent the rolls and is such asto receive the sheet formed by the machine as Iit issues from theopening that occurs between the rol s.

The various objects and features of our invention will Vbe fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of typical preferredforms and applications of the invention, throughout which descriptionreference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is an end elevation of the principal elements of the machineshowing a sheet in the course of being delivered. Fig. 2 is al1011.itudinal vertical sectional view of the machine, being Va viewtaken `as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an enlargeddetailed sectional View taken through a portion .of the machine shown inFigs. l and 2, showing the general relationship of the rolls, vthenozzle, the `drainage Catchers and the roll cleaners. Fig. 4 is a viewAsimilar to a ,portion of 'Fig. 3 showing a somewhat different form ofnozzle. Fig. '5 is a perspective View of a portion of .thecleanerernpldyed in connection with 4a 1'roll to maintain the groovesthereof free of material. ,Fig, l,6 is ,a detailed sectional view tajkenlengthwise at the -,end portion of a roll showing one vform Aof rolllconstruction that ,Cell be employed. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views ,similarto Fig. 6 illustrating other forms of roll construction- :Fg- 11.0 is.an enlarged .detailed sectional view of @a portion 4vQt .the structureshown in Fig. 3. illustrating the manner in which the tip o f the nozzleis lat the ends.

related to the rolls. Fig. 1l is a sectional view taken as indicated byline 11-11 on Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken as indicated byline 12-12 on Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a detailed sectional view taken at oneend of a roll showing the manner in which the roll is supported and themanner in which a heating iiuid may be delivered into the roll, Fig. 14is a plan section illustrating the mounting of a bearing block providingfor adjustment of the roll carried by that block, and Fig. 15 is adiagrammatic view illustrating the various parts hereinabove mentionedas they are related to other elements of the machine, and illustratingthe manner in which the retrieved liquids are recirculated in accordancewith thc invention.

A typical machine embodying the invention includes, generally, a frameA, rollers B carried by the frame and serving to form the desired sheetS. Mounting means C support the rolls from the frame so the rolls arehorizontal, parallel and spaced apart and are subject to adjustment tovary the spacing between them. An adjusting means D is provided foreifecting the desired shifting of the rolls, one relative to the other.A drive means E is provided whereby the rolls are operated synchronouslyand in opposite directions. A material handling nozzle F is related tothe rolls to feed material thereto so that a sheet is formed between therolls while excess liquids drain largely through grooves provided in theworking faces of the rolls. A material supply means G is provided andserves to supply the nozzle with the desired material to be handled bythe rolls. Drainage catchers H are provided preferably adjacent thenozzle at the tip end portion thereof and operate in connection with therolls to be in communication with the grooves of the rolls through whichdrainage occurs as the sheet is formed. A means I is provided exhaustingthe drainage catchers so that liquid caught thereby is immediatelyvremoved therefrom and so that reduced pressures are maintained therein.A drainage catch basin K is provided preferably beneath the nozzle,rolls and other elements of the machine where liquid may drain as aresult of the sheet being formed by the machine. A cleaning means L isprovided in connection with each roll whereby the working faces and thegrooves of the rolls are kept clean, and a heating means M is providedin connection with each roll.

A frame A is preferably an elongate rigid unit having a base 10rectangular in plan configuration and formed by ends 11, a front 12, anda back 13. Legs 14 support the base and are preferably located at thecorners there- ,Y

of while standards project up from the base, preferably In the caseillustrated, a front standard 15 supports the plate 16 that receives thesheet S and rear standards 17, of substantial height, project up fromthe base at the rear of the machine. Rails 20 are carried by the base 10and the rear standards and, in the case illusvtrated, intermediatestandards 21 project up from the base and aid in supporting the rails.

The rails 20 of the frame are parallel elongate elements that arepreferably straight, and they are located at the ends of the frame andextend upward and rearward from the base at an angle of about 40degrees. In the preferred construction the forward ends of the rails arejoined to the ends 11 of the frame while the rear ends are joined to theupper ends of the standards 17.

The rollers B are elongate horizontally disposed elements preferablyalike as to size and length, and they iit between the rails 20 of theframe A. In general, each roll B involves an elongate cylindrical body25, end plates 26 at the ends of the body and trunnions 27 projectingoutwardly from the end plates. Where the body 25 is separate from theend plates, the separable elements are maintained in a rigid assembly bya suitable means 28. In the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 andin Fig. 9, the end plates 26 of each roll are separate from the body ofthe roll and the ends of the body are seated in recesses 30 provided atthe peripheral portions of the end plates.

The means 28 is shown as involving tie rods 31 extending between the endplates, the rods being tight so that the end plates hold the body tightbetween them. In the preferred construction the body of each roll ishol- -low or tubular in form. As shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9, the

'body has openings 33 extending through it accommodating the tie rods.

The outer or working face 3S of each roller B is characterized by aplurality of drainage grooves 36. The drainage grooves 36 are formed inthe body of the roll from its working face 35 and each groove ispreferably annular in form and extends continuously around the body andis of simple configuration so that it has at parallel opposed side wallsand a bottom located a suitable distance inward from the working face35. In a typical construction, the several grooves 36 in the workingface 35 are alike, that is, they are uniform as to size and shape, andfurthermore they are uniformly spaced apart lengthwise of the roll. Asan example of a typical working situation, the drainage grooves 36 in aroll B may be .8 millimeter wide, 6 millimeters deep, and about 5 to 6millimeters apart lengthwise of the roll.

In carrying out the invention the drainage grooves may be confined tobut one of the rolls, however, it is preferred that both rolls begrooved, and ordinarily it is preferred that the two rolls be grooved inlike manner and that the grooves of the two rolls be in register ordirectly opposed as illustrated in Figs. l1 and 12 of the drawings.

It is generally preferred that the working faces 35 of the rolls B besimple, smooth cylindrical faces, however, it is contemplated that thesefaces may be Varied as to form or may be of special shapes orconfigurations if a sheet S is desired other than a flat plain sheet. Anexample of a form other than a plain cylindrical form is illustrated inFig. 9 where the working face 35a of a roll is shown corrugated orundulating. When such a form is employed, it is to be understood thatthe other or cooperating roll is of a cooperating or complementary form.

The body construction of each roll may be simple as shown in Fig. 7,that is, it may be such that the body of the roll is a continuous orintegral cylinder having the desired grooves formed in its working face35. It is contemplated, however, that other forms of cylinderconstruction may be employed and certain forms can be employed toadvantage.

In Fig. 6 thereis illustrated a cylinder body construction wherein thereis a simple continuous cylindrical core 40 carrying a plurality ofseparate sleeves 41 which abut end to end. The outer working faces 35 ofthe sleeves 41 are machined or otherwise formed to have the desiredgrooves 36. With this construction, costly or high grade materials maybe employed in the formation of the sleeves 41 and if variations orrepairs are necessary the sleeves can be economically renewed orreplaced.

In the form shown in Fig. 8, the body of the roll is of laminatedconstruction and involves a plurality of simple, flat, annular plates 42and 43. The plates are of different outside diameters and they arearranged adjacent each other in alternating relationship with the resultthat the assembly of plates results in a roll body having an outercylindrical working face 35 with grooves 36.

The mounting means C support the rolls B from the rails 20 through thetrunnions 27 provided at the ends of the rolls. In the constructionillustrated the trunnions 27 are integral with the end plates 26 andthose of one rod are carried by bearing blocks 50 fixed on the rails 20while those of the other roll are carried by bearing blocks 51adjustable along the rails. The iixed bearing blocks 50 are showncarrying the lower and foremost roll X while the adjustable blocks carrythe upper and rearmost roll Y. The blocks 50 may be secured to the railsby bolts 53 while the shiftable blocks 51 may be secured to the rails bybolts 54 that extend through slots 55 in anges 56 on these blocks. Whenthe bolts 54 are tight the blocks 51 are set against movement, but whenthe bolts 54 are loosened slightly, the blocks 51 can be shiftedlengthwise of the rails. The blocks 51 are normally positioned tosupport the upper rear roll Y in the desired spaced relation relative tothe lower forward roll X so that it is in the desired sheet formingopening Z between the rolls.

Adjusting means D shifts the blocks 51 lengthwise of the rails 20 and inthe form illustrated it involves a shaft 55 carried at the upper ends ofthe standards 17 to extend lengthwise of the .frame from one end to theother. Screws 56 are supported by bearings 57 so that they eX- tendparallel with the rails 20 and they are threaded into bosses 58 on theshiftable bearing blocks 51. Suitable drives arelprovided. between theshaft 55 and the screws 56 so that when the shaft is rotated the screwsare operassenso ated simultaneously and in like manner. In the caseillustrated, worm gears 59 are fixed on the shaft and mesh with wormwheels 60 fixed on the screws 56. A hand wheel 61 is provided on shaft55 at one end of the ma chine.

The drive means E for the rolls B is such as to sirnultaneously operatethe rolls in opposite directions. In the construction illustrated, adrive shaft 65 is supported by the frame, preferably at the upper end ofone of the standards 17 and may be operated from any suitable source ofpower. A drive pulley 66 is shown on the shaft 65 operated by a belt 67.A countershaft 68 is supported in bearings 69 and extends parallel withthe rails of the frame adjacent one of the rails. A drive is providedfrom the shaft 65 to the countershaft 68 and is shown as involving aworm gear 70 fixed on the shaft 65 and meshing with the worm gear 71fixed on the countershaft 68. Like worm gears 72 are fixed on thecountershaft 68 and mesh with and drive worm wheels 73 iixed on thetrunnions of the two rolls B. The worm gears 72 are pitched oppositelyso that when the countershaft 68 rotates the rolls B operate in oppositedirections.

The material feeding nozzle F is related to the rolls B to feed fiuidmaterial to the sheet-forming opening A that occurs between the rolls.The terms Huid or uid material are intended to refer to any mixture,composition or other mass subject to being flowed or handled by a nozzleand such as to be worked into a sheet. The iiuid may include fibrousmatter, various resins, asphalt, paraffin, etc., and includes an excessof liquid such as water, and this may carry chemical matter making itimportant that excess or unused liquid be recovered and re-used.

The preferred nozzle F has an elongate closed chamber portion throughwhich the material is flowed and it has a tip portion 81 that entersbetween the rolls.

The chamber portion 80 of the nozzle is a flat wide structure enteringthe machine from the rear and extending to the rolls. The chamberportion extends from one -end of the machine to the other to besubstantially co- `extensive with the rolls. The particular chamber 80illustrated has a top wall 83, a bottom wall 84 and end walls 85, and itis arcuate in cross-section as viewed from the end of the machine (seeFig. l of the drawings).

The tip portion 81 of the nozzle is at the forward yand upwardly facingend of the chamber portion 80 and involves upwardly and forwardlyprojecting extensions 88 of the side walls 85 of the chamber portion 80which yextensions are thin, iiat, blade-like elements with convex edges89. The extensions tit between the rolls B so that they are entered inopposing grooves 36 of the rolls at the ends of the rolls. In thepreferred construction, the top and bottom walls 83 and 84,respectively, of the chamber portion 80 extend to and have slidingengagement with the peripheral portions of the rolls from which pointsthe extensions 88 project as clearly illustrated in Fig. 10 of thedrawings.

The nozzle F is such that fluid received at its rear end is conductedforwardly in the machine and is delivered in a forward and upwarddirection into vthe sheet forming opening Z between the rolls withlittle or no escape of 'uid except out through the space or opening Z.The material handled by the nozzle is delivered in such quantity andunder such pressure and, in practice, is maintained at such consistencythat the material desired in the sheet S issues through the space Zbetween the rolls to form the desired sheet S while excess liquid issqueezed or freed as the sheet is formed and drains rearwardly ordownwardly through the grooves in the rolls.

When it is desired to form a sheet S of uniform character or of onetexture throughout, the nozzle may be of the simple construction shownin Fig. 3, whereas, -i-f it is desired that the sheet be formed of 'twodifferent materials vor textures, for instance, so that it is of onecharacter at one side and a different character at the other side, thenozzle may be equipped with a partition 90 dividing it into two separatepassageways 91 and 92 which are maintained separate throughout thenozzle and into lthe tip portion `of the nozzle as is clearly :shown inFig. 4 of the drawings.

AThe material supply means G may, in practice, vary widely. In Fig. l5 asimple and typical form of means G is illustrated and is shown asinvolving a material 'preparing unit which may be a `suitable beater100. A

'pump v101 is shown handling material from the beater and delivering itto a reservoir or chest 102, and a pressure pump 103 is shown suppliedwith material from the chest and delivering it through a duct 104 to thenozzle F. Branches 104a of the duct 104 deliver material into variousparts of the nozzle F at the receiving end of the nozzle so that thereis a uniform ow of uid in the nozzle.

The beater or material preparing unit may be power driven and suppliedwith water or other suitable liquid through a supply line 105 and withsheet forming material through a hopper 106, or the like'. The discharge107 of the beater 100 supplies the vpump 101 through which the fluid isdelivered to the chest 103 through a line 110. A suitable valve 112 maybe providedA in the liquid supply line 105 and a suitable control valve114 may be provided in the line 110. Outlet 115 from the chest 102supplies the pressure pump 103 and the duct 104 conducts iiuid from thepump 103 to the nozzle.

In the preferred arrangement, a liquid by-pass under control of a valve121 connects the liquid supply line 105 and the duct 104 so that theconsistency of the material delivered to the nozzle may be modified ifdesired or necessary. Further, a by-pass 122 connects the duct 104 andthe chest 102 and is under control of a valve 123 so that materialdelivered by the pump 103- can be by-passed back to the chest ifcircumstances so require. Further, the bypass 102 may be under controlof Ia suitable regulating means-v125 including a suitable pressureresponsive device to the end that a constant and desired pressure ismaintained on the fluid in the nozzle.

In the preferred construction there are two drainage catchers H arrangedas shown in Fig. 3 and these are located -adjacent the discharge end ofthe nozzle F and are adjacent the rolls B at points where the nozzleenters between the rolls. The catchers H are provided to receive andhandle the liquid drained from the material fed by the nozzle as thesheet S is formed, and they receive this liquid primarily through thedrainage grooves provided in the working faces of the rolls.

One drainage catcher H occurs at the upper side of the nozzle oradjacent the top 83 cif the nozzle and involves a wall extending fromthe wall 83 of the nozzle 'to the periphery of the upper rear roll Ywhere a suitable soft sealing element 131 is carried by the wall 30 andmaintains a seal with the periphery of that roll. End walls 132 of thiscatcher close the ends of the catcher with the result that the catcherestablishes a closed chamber 133 in which a reduced pressure can bemaintained. t

The lower or forward drainage catcher H is located adjacent the bottomWall 84 of the nozzle and between that wall and the lower forward roll Xand it carries a sealing element 131 which maintains sealing engagementwith the working face of roll X. The wail 130 of this catcherestablishes a chamber 133 similar to the one `above described.

The means J serves to handle liquid received by the catcher H andmaintains a reduced pressure in the chamber 133. The means I is shown asincludinga suction pump 1-40 and suction lines 141 connected to thechambers 133 through the walls 130 which lines 141 are preferably underycontrol of valves 142. The pump is operated so that as liquid is caughtby the catchers it is immediately exhausted therefrom and a reducedpressure is maintained in the chambers 133 serving to induce the ow ofliquid liberated as the sheet is formed through the grooves in the rollsthus making it possible to operate the machine at speeds in excess ofwhat would be possible if gravity-alone were relied upon.

The drainage catching basin K in effect supplements the action of thedrainage catchers H and is preferably a general catch basin located in.the lower portion of the frame, as, for instance, beneath the base ofthe frame, and it serves to catch any liquid draining from the machineand which is not caught by the catchers H. The drain line from the basinK, like the discharge line 151 from pump I, or combined wit-h thedischarge from pump J, may conduct the drainage or liquid retrieved tothe unit 100 so that it is recirculated.

'The recirculation of recovered liquid is highly important when thematerial being handled involves fexpensive elements or chemicals whichmay be in solution vor carried vby the drainage that occurs as the sheetis lformed. Further, in 'this connection, it is highly significant .thatthe machine operates wholly without water' washing of the rolls, and,therefore, the retrieved drainage may be recirculated as just describedand is not diluted or contaminated in any way. t

The cleaning means L related to the rolls' B serve to maintain theworking faces as well as the grooves of the rolls clean for ecient andeffective operation. In the preferred construction the means L for each`roll involves a scraper blade 160 with ascraping edge' 161 whichengages the working face of the roll to Ascrape i 171 enter the drainagegrooves of the rolll to scrape .j

material therefrom. The blade 170 is carried bypivot -172 and is sorelated to the roll as to be maintained by gravity in engagement withthe roll. Blade 170 is shown located to clean the grooves after the faceof the roll has been cleaned by the blade 160.

The heating means M is provided so that `if desired the 4rolls can beheated making it possible to handle materials that could not be workedat normal temperatures. It is to be understood that the heating meansneed not be employed in each application and it will be understood thatthe degree of heat applied to the rolls will, in practice, varydepending upon the material handled or the condition desired in thedelivered sheet S.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l to 3 of thedrawings, an electrical heating means is provided in connection witheach roll. Each roll in this case has tubular trunnions 27 and a linecarrier 180 extends into or through the roll and through the trunnionsof the roll and is supported by the brackets 181 at the ends of themachine. Power lines 182 enter the carrier 180 and supply energy toheating units 183 that project from the carrier. In the case illustrateda heat conducting medium in the form of liquid 184 is carried in theroll and the heating elements 183 project or depend from the carrierinto the liquid. As the roll operates, the heated liquid washes aroundwithin the roll and effectively distributes the heat thereto.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 13, a duct 190 isprovided to supply a heating medium such as a hot liquid or steam to theinterior of the roll to be heated. In this case, the duct 190 issupplied through a line 191 and a suitable packing gland 192 packsbetween the duct 190 and the spindle through which the duct enters theroll. When this form of heating is employed, the spindle at the oppositeend of the roll may be employed as an outlet through which the heatingmedium can be exhausted.

Having described only typical preferred forms vand applications of ourinvention, we do not wish tov be limited or restricted to the specificdetails herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves anyvariations or modifications that may appear to those skilled inthe artand fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim: f

l. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle. a fluid containing liquidand including, a frame with a Ysheet receiving plate at its front, twolike elongated irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frameparallelA with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces,

one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the otherroll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in oppositedirections and so theirvopposed parts move upwardly and forwardly, and anozzle extending upward and forward discharging luid between the opposedparts of the rolls, the rolls having aV p lurality of longitudinallyspaced, parallel, annular liquid draining grooves in the sheet formingfaces,` and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a pointvabove thebottom thereof whereby liquid from the iluid delivered to the rolls mayow downward of the exteriors of-the rolls through the grooves in therolls to points on the rolls at the exterior of the nozzle. -V f 2. Asheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid andincluding, alframefwith'a front vsheet receiving plate, two likevelongateimperforate.rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallelwith each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming outer peripheralfaces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of theother roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in oppositedirections and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and a nozzleextending upward and forward and discharging uid between the opposedparts of the rolls, the rolls having unobstructed annular and axiallyspaced liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and thenozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ow downward atthe exteriors of the rolls through the grooves in the rolls to points onthe rolls at the exterior of the nozzle, each roll including, a unitarycylindrical body with the parallel, axially spaced annular drainagegrooves of the roll in the exterior thereof, end lplates engaging theends of the body and carrying supporting elements, and means rigidlysecuring the body 4and end plates together.

3. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two likeelongated rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with eachother to have spaced opposed sheet forming outer peripheral faces, oneroll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll,drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions andso their opposed parts move upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzleextending upward and forward and discharging uid between the rolls, therolls having a plurality of outwardly opening annular liquid draininggrooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of therolls at a point above the bottom thereof wherebyliquid from the fluiddelivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in therolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of thenozzle, each roll including, a body having a tubular imperforate coreand a plurality of elongate sleeves with outwardly opening annulargrooves and arranged end to end on the exterior of the core, end platesengaging the ends of the core and confining the sleeves in engagedrelation, and means rigidly receiving the core, the engaged sleeves andthe end plates together.

4. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid andincluding, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two likeelongated rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with eachother to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carriedby the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotatingthe rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so the opposed partsof the rolls move,upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzle extending upwardand forward and adapted to discharge fluid between the rolls, the rollshaving a plurality of axially yspaced outwardly opening liquid draininggrooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of,theI rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from thefluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in eachroll to a point onthe roll at the exterior thereof and at the exteriorof the nozzle, each roll including, a plurality of annular platesarranged one against the other in tight sealing engagement, there beingplates having peripheries forming the face of the rolll and other platessmaller in diameter than those first-mentioned and spacing thefirst-mentioned plates apart whereby the grooves of the roll occurbetween them, and means securing the plates in rigid assembledrelationship.

- 5. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid vcontainingliquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, twolike elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frameparallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming facesvarying from straight cylindrical form whereby a sheet .formed betweenthem is other than plain smooth surfaced, one roll being carried by theframe above and rearward of Athe other roll, drive means rotating therolls synchronously in opposite directions so the opposed portions ofthe rolls move upward and forward, and a nozzle` extending upward andforward to the rolls and adapted to discharge uid between the rolls, therolls having longitudinally spaced unobstructed exterior liquid draininggrooves extending around them in the sheet lfori-ning,faces,an c l thenozzle adjoining each of theprolls at-a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ilow downward atthe exterior of the roll through the grooves in the roll to a point onthe exterior of the roll and at the exterior of the nozzle.

6. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid andincluding, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two likeelongated irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frameparallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces,drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions withthe opposed parts of the rolls moving upwardly and forwardly, a nozzleextending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharginguid between the rolls, the rolls having outwardly opening liquiddraining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoiningeach of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquidfrom the fluid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through thegrooves in the rolls to points at the exterior of the rolls and at theexterior of the nozzle, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls at the saidfaces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as the facesadvance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions.

7. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid andincluding, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion, two likeelongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallelwith each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive meansrotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and with theiropposed parts moving upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upwardbetween the lower portions of the rolls and discharging lluid betweenthe rolls, the rolls having longitudinally spaced parallel outwardlyopening liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and thenozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ow downwardthrough the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rollsat the exterior of the nozzle, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls atthe said faces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as thefaces advance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions,there being a scraper engaging the face of each roll and a toothed bladeengaging each roll and having its teeth in the grooves of the roll.

8. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion, two likeelongate irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallelwith each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one rollbeing carried by tbe frame above and rearward of the other roll, drivemeans rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and withtheir opposed parts moving upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzleextending upward and forward and discharging fluid between the rolls,the rolls having a plurality of axially spaced parallel annular liquiddraining grooves in the outer sheet forming faces, and the nozzleadjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof wherebyliquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may llow downward throughthe grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and atthe exterior of the nozzle, the nozzle having a partition thereinextending to a point where fluid is delivered to the rolls and dividingthe nozzle jillnt'od separate passageways adapted to handle different urs.

9. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid andincluding, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongateimperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with eachother to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carriedby the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotatingthe rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposedparts move upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward between thelower portions of the rolls and discharging uid between the rolls, therolls having unobstructed annular liquid draining grooves spacedlongitudinally in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining eachof the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from thefluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in therolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of thenozzle, and

drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacentthe rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle iscaught in the chambers.

10. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiver at which a sheet isdelivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally bythe frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet formingfaces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in oppositedirections and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extendingupward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluidbetween the rolls, the rolls having annular open liquid draining groovesin spaced parallel relationship in the sheet forming faces, and thenozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls will flow downwardthrough the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rollsand at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closedchambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining tothe exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and meansconducting liquid from said chambers and maintaining a reduced pressurein each of the chambers.

ll. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiver at which a sheet isdelivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally bythe frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet formingfaces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in oppositedirections and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extendingupward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluidbetween the rolls, the rolls having a plurality of annular outwardlyopening liquid draining grooves in spaced parallel relationship in thesheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at apoint above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iluid deliveredto the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls topoints on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle,drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacentthe rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle iscaught in the chambers, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls at the saidfaces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as the facesadvance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions, thenozzle having a partition therein extending to a point where iluid isdelivered to the rolls and dividing the nozzle into separate passagewayshandling different uids.

12. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiver plate at which asheet is delivered, two like elongate irnperforate rolls supportedhorizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spacedopposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rollssynchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts moveupwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of therolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, fluid supply meansdelivering` fluid to the nozzle and including a uid preparing unitreceiving liquid and material for forming a sheet, the rolls havingoutwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arranged in parallellongitudinal spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces and thenozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may flow downwardthrough the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rollsand at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closedchambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining tothe exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and meansconducting liquid from the chambers and delivering it to said unit.

13. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiver plate at which asheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supportedhorizontally by -the frame parallel with each other to have spacedopposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rollssynchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts moveupwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of therolls and discharging iluid between the rolls, fluid supply meansincluding, a unit preparing fluid from liquid and sheet formingmaterial, and a pump delivering the fluid under pressure to the nozzle,the rolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves inparallel spaced relationship along the sheet forming faces, and thenozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereofwhereby liquid from the iiuid delivered to the rolls may iiow downwardthrough the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rollsand at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers deiining closedchambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining tothe exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and meansreceiving liquid from said chambers and delivering it to said unit.

14. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a iluid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion at which asheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supportedhorizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spacedopposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carried by the frame aboveand rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rollssynchronously in opposite directions and so their opposing parts moveupwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward and forward anddischarging uid between the rolls, fluid supply means including, a unitpreparing fluid from liquid and sheet forming material, and a pumpdelivering the liuid under pressure to the nozzle, the rolls havingoutwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arranged in spacedparallel relationship along the sheet forming faces, and the nozzleadjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof wherebyliquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through thegrooves in the rolls at the exteriors of the rolls and at the exteriorof the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzleand adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of thenozzle is caught in the chambers, and exhaust means receiving liquidfrom said chambers and to deliver it to said unit and including a pumpmaintaining the chambers at reduced pressures.

l5. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a tiuid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front plate at which a sheet is delivered,two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frameparallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, oneroll being shiftably carried by the frame the other roll being carriedby the frame in fixed position relative thereto, means operable to shiftthe rearmost roll laterally and relative to said other roll, drive meansrotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions so opposed partsof the rolls move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward between thelower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, therolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arrangedin longitudinal parallel spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces,and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottomthereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may owdownward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors ofthe rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

16. An elongate sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluidcontaining liquid and including, a frame with a sheet receiving plate atthe front end thereof, two like elongate imperforate rolls supportedhorizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spacedopposed sheet forming faces, one roll being shiftably carried by theframe the other roll being carried by the frame in fixed positionrelative thereto, means operable to shift the rearmost roll laterallyand relative to said other roll including a rotatable shaft, like screwsrelated to the said rearmost roll at the ends thereof, and like geardrives from the shaft to the screws, drive means rotating the rollssynchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts moveupwardly, and a nozzle extending upward byv the frame parallel with eachother to have spaced between the lower portions of the rolls and adaptedto discharge iluid between the rolls, the rolls having un obstructedannular liquid draining grooves arranged in parallel spaced relationshipin the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rollsat a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uiddelivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in therolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of thenozzle.

17. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid opposed sheetforming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in oppositedirections and so thelr opposed parts move upwardly and including apower driven shaft, oppositely pitched worm gears on the shaft and wormwheels on the rolls and engaged by the gears, and a nozzle extendingupward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluidbetween the rolls, the rolls having annular unobstructed liquid draininggrooves arranged along the rolls in spaced parallel relationship and inthe sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at apoint above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iiuid deliveredto the rolls will flow downward through the grooves in the rolls topoints on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

18. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquidand including, a frame with a front receiving plate, two like elongateimperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel witheach. other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, meansA wherebythe rolls are heated, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously inopposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and anozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls anddischarging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having annular outwardlyopening liquid draining grooves in longitudinal spaced relationship inthe sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at apoint above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid deliveredto the rolls may iiow downward through the grooves in the rolls topoints on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

19. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquidand including, ya frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two likeelongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallelwith each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces,

means whereby the rolls are heated including electrical' heatingelements in the rolls, drive means rotating the rolls vsynchronously inopposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and anozzle extendmg upward and' between the lower portions of the rolls anddischarging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having longitudinallyspaced parallel annular liquid draining grooves around the sheet formingfaces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above thebottom thereof whereby liquid from the iiuid delivered to the rolls mayiiow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on theexteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.'

20. A sheet forming machine adapted tohandle a uid containing liquid andincluding, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongateimperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with eachother to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, means whereby therolls are heated including ducts 1n communication with the rolls andsupplying heating fluid thereto, drive means rotating the rollssynchronously in opposite directions so opposed parts of the rolls moveupwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and between the lower portionsof the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls havingoutwardly opening longitudlnally spaced annular liquid draining groovesin the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each'of the 'rollsat a point above the bottom' thereof whereby l1qu1d from the fluiddelivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in therolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of thenozzle.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName 958,068 Arbuckle Maylel9l0 1,449,774 Najarian Mar. 27 19231,642,008 Beebe Sept. 13' 1927 1,782,215 Sheperd Nov. 18 1930 1,782,307Sheperd Nov. 181/1930 2,230,307 Muneh Feb.4, 1941

